Ways to Upgrade Your Home's Ceilings
Whether you're building a new house or renovating your home, you can increase its value and beauty by adding some pizzazz to your ceiling. Think of your ceiling as a fifth wall to express your personality. Home design doesn't have to stop at the walls — bring the focus upward with decorative moulding, ceiling tiles, beams and lighting. Check out decorative ceiling beam ideas and ceiling coverings to bring personality to your home.
1. Beams
Attach faux ceiling beams to ceiling studs for warmth and texture. Wooden beams can emphasize the grandeur of vaulted ceilings or create a cozy feel in homes with lower ceilings. If you aren't fond of the look of wood but like the architectural element of exposed beams, you can paint them the same color as the ceiling or a complementary color for contrast.
2. Ceiling Tiles
Decorative ceiling tiles up your style ante, with many styles available to create a look that's perfect for your home. Drop ceiling tiles are great for hiding wiring and ductwork. Surface mount ceiling tiles attach directly to your existing ceiling or joists to maximize height. Patterned or printed tiles add subtle texture and interest to your ceiling. Tin ceiling tiles are available in different colors and finishes, from white to black and from silver to gold. Antiqued tiles add rustic elegance and charm to any home.
3. Pretty Patterns
The right paint, contact paper or wallpaper lets you play with pattern in delightfully unexpected ways. Wallpaper is versatile in color and pattern — go bold with a large floral print or keep it subdued with a muted medallion or beadboard print. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a fantastic choice for trying out a new design without the commitment and effort that comes with traditional wallpaper and paste. To find out how much wallpaper you need, check out our Wallpaper Calculator. For help choosing wallpaper, see our guide — How to Select the Best Wallpaper for Your Home.
4. Moulding Build-ups
Build up moulding and trim to create a dramatic frame for any ceiling. Crown moulding is a simple way to add visual interest to your room without changing the ceiling itself. The moulding can bridge the junction of the wall and ceiling or attach to the ceiling directly to add dimension. Styles range from simple to ornate, and it can be painted to suit your décor. Our guide — Crown Moulding Ideas to Dress Up Your Home — can give you some inspiration. Check out our Moulding Buying Guide to be sure you purchase the best type for your home.
5. Ceiling Medallions
Dress your ceiling's center with a framed wallpaper focal point and a beautiful medallion. Medallions can serve as a standalone decoration or encircle a light fixture, ceiling fan or chandelier. These elegant and ornate furnishings can be attached with screws, nails or glue using common tools. For help choosing the right ceiling decorations for your home, see our guide — Chandelier Buying Guide.
6. Plank Ceilings
Planks look luxe, even on a budget. Step outside the lines and consider vinyl plank or engineered wood on the ceiling to create a new look for less. Wooden plank ceilings bring warmth and texture to the room. For open-concept homes, applying planks to one demarcated section can help differentiate the rooms. Planks are also a quick way to update popcorn or textured ceilings. To remove texture from your ceilings, see our guide — How to Easily Get Rid of Popcorn Ceilings.
7. Crisp, Clean Stripes
Clean lines create a long, lean look and are easy to create with a laser level, painters tape and a couple of your favorite hues. Stripes that run the length of the ceiling give the room an enlarged visual effect. Precise application is key, so it may be worth hiring professional painters for the perfect design. If you want to paint the ceiling yourself, our step-by-step guide — How to Paint a Ceiling — can help.
8. Architectural Intrigue
If you dream big, consider building art into your home with striking ceiling details that punctuate your personal style. You can use drywall, plaster of Paris or planks to build up interesting geometric and abstract shapes on the ceiling. Build up the perimeter of the ceiling and place strip or canned lighting to make the room seem larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions related to ceiling accents, styles and more.
How Long Do Ceiling Tiles Last?
Traditional drop ceiling tiles are designed to last around 10 years. After that, they may start becoming brittle. Ceiling tiles in a waterproof material can last longer than traditional tiles.
Are Ceiling Beams in Style?
Exposed beams are a design trend that has gained popularity in recent years, but they've been used for decades for function and décor. This timeless feature will be in style for years to come.
What Is the Latest Trend in Ceiling Finishes?
Geometric shapes and high-gloss paint are current trends in ceiling finishes. Use planks or patterned wallpaper with geometric shapes to create raised patterns on the ceiling.